scholarly journals COVID-19 Airway Management Isolation Chamber

2020 ◽  
pp. 019459982094250
Author(s):  
Timothy C. Blood ◽  
Jonathan N. Perkins ◽  
Paul R. Wistermayer ◽  
Joseph S. Krivda ◽  
Nathan T. Fisher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Airway Management ◽  
Ultrafine Particles ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Worker Safety ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Isolation Chamber ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Care Worker ◽  
Over Time

Objective During the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), health care workers are innovating patient care and safety measures. Unfortunately, many of these are not properly tested for efficacy. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of the novel COVID-19 Airway Management Isolation Chamber (CAMIC) to contain and evacuate particulate. Study Design Multi-institutional proof-of-concept study. Setting Two academic institutions: Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) and Madigan Army Medical Center (MAMC). Subjects and Methods Smoke, saline nebulizer, and simulated working port models were developed to assess the efficacy of the CAMIC to contain and remove ultrafine particles. Particulate counts were collected at set time intervals inside and outside the system. Results With the CAMIC on, smoke particulate counts inside the chamber significantly decreased over time: r(18) = −0.88, P < .001, WRNMMC; r(18) = −0.91, P < .001, MAMC. Similarly, saline nebulizer particulate counts inside the chamber significantly decreased over time: r(23) = −0.82, P < .001, WRNMMC; r(23) = −0.70, P < .001, MAMC. In the working port model, particulate counts inside the chamber significantly decreased over time: r(23) = −0.95, P < .001, WRNMMC; r(23) = −0.85, P < .001, MAMC. No significant leak was detected in the smoke, saline nebulizer, or working port model when the CAMIC was turned on. Conclusions The CAMIC system appears to provide a barrier that actively removes particles from within the chamber and limits egress. Further studies are necessary to determine clinical applicability. The CAMIC may serve as an adjunct to improve health care worker safety and patient outcomes.

Stepping up detection, response, preparedness and readiness measures for “COVID-19”- A Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (SPL1) ◽  
pp. 1042-1047
Author(s):  
Khushbu Balsara ◽  
Deepankar Shukla
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Clinical History ◽  
Frontline Workers ◽  
Diagnostic Assays ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Short Period ◽  
History Of ◽  
Detection Response ◽  
Care Worker

In a very short period of time, “COVID-19” has seized the consciousness globally by making remarkable changes in our day to day living and has superintended as a public health emergency globally. It has high radar of transmission, affecting an individual at work to frontline workers. The measures and planning for a response plays a key role from drawing up an emergency committee and this follows an equation which broadly deals with epidemiological to clinical history of the patient, management steps from isolation, screening, diagnostic assays for identification and treatment. The application of an organized plan with secure structure aids in better performance, increases efficacy of management and saves time. Also saves time for a health care worker to g through routine levels of channels of administration if already a familiar way of operation is known for such situations. Thus, planning and developing a ‘blueprint of approach’ towards management of patient while facing such situation is a must. This review provides an insight to the measures for detection, response and preparedness of the hospital and health care workers should largely be inclusive of; also highlights the measures to be taken at every step after coming in contact with a positive case of “COVID-19”.

scholarly journals 460. Point-of-Care, In-Home SARS-CoV-2 IgG Antibody Testing to Assess Seroprevalence in At-Risk Health Care Workers

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S297-S297
Author(s):  
Eric G Meissner ◽  
Christine Litwin ◽  
Tricia Crocker ◽  
Elizabeth Mack ◽  
Lauren Card
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Documented Infection ◽  
Inconclusive Result ◽  
Care Workers

Abstract Background Health care workers are at significant risk for infection with the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Methods We utilized a point-of-care, lateral flow SARS-CoV-2 IgG immunoassay (RayBiotech) to conduct a seroprevalence study in a cohort of at-risk health care workers (n=339) and normal-risk controls (n=100) employed at an academic medical center. To minimize exposure risk while conducting the study, consents were performed electronically, tests were mailed and then self-administered at home using finger stick blood, and subjects uploaded a picture of the test result while answering an electronic questionnaire. We also validated the assay using de-identified serum samples from patients with PCR-proven SARS-CoV-2 infection. Results Between April 14th and May 6th 2020, 439 subjects were enrolled. Subjects were 68% female, 93% white, and most were physicians (38%) and nurses (27%). In addition, 37% had at least 1 respiratory symptom in the prior month, 34% had cared for a patient with known SARS-CoV-2 infection, 57% and 23% were worried about exposure at work or in the community, respectively, and 5 reported prior documented SARS-CoV-2 infection. On initial testing, 3 subjects had a positive IgG test, 336 had a negative test, and 87 had an inconclusive result. Of those with an inconclusive result who conducted a repeat test (85%), 96% had a negative result. All 3 positive IgG tests were in subjects reporting prior documented infection. Laboratory validation showed that of those with PCR-proven infection more than 13 days prior, 23/30 were IgG positive (76% sensitivity), whereas 1/26 with a negative prior PCR test were seropositive (95% specificity). Repeat longitudinal serologic testing every 30 days for up to 4 times is currently in progress. Conclusion We conducted a contact-free study in the setting of a pandemic to assess SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in an at-risk group of health care workers. The only subjects found to be IgG positive were those with prior documented infection, even though a substantial proportion of subjects reported significant potential occupational or community exposure and symptoms that were potentially compatible with SARS-COV-2 infection. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

scholarly journals kinetics of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies over time. Results of 10 month follow up in over 300 seropositive Health Care Workers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jose Felipe Varona ◽  
Rodrigo Madurga ◽  
Francisco Peñalver ◽  
Elena Abarca ◽  
Cristina Almirall ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Kinetics Of ◽  
Over Time

scholarly journals A COVID-19 Infection Risk Model for Frontline Health Care Workers

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louie Florendo Dy ◽  
Jomar Fajardo Rabajante
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Worker ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Infection Risk ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Interaction Time ◽  
Work Shift ◽  
Crowd Density ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Care Worker

AbstractThe number of confirmed COVID-19 cases admitted in hospitals is continuously increasing in the Philippines. Frontline health care workers are faced with imminent risks of getting infected. In this study, we formulate a theoretical model to calculate the risk of being infected in health care facilities considering the following factors: the average number of encounters with a suspected COVID-19 patient per hour; interaction time for each encounter; work shift duration or exposure time; crowd density, which may depend on the amount of space available in a given location; and availability and effectiveness of protective gears and facilities provided for the frontline health care workers. Based on the simulation results, a set of risk assessment criteria is proposed to classify risks as ‘low’, ‘moderate’, or ‘high’. We recommend the following: (i) decrease the rate of patient encounter per frontline health care worker, e.g., maximum of three encounters per hour in a 12-hour work shift duration; (ii) decrease the interaction time between the frontline health care worker and the patients, e.g., less than 40 minutes for the whole day; (iii) increase the clean and safe space for social distancing, e.g., maximum of 10% crowd density, and if possible, implement compartmentalization of patients; and/or (iv) provide effective protective gears and facilities, e.g., 95% effective, that the frontline health care workers can use during their shift. Moreover, the formulated model can be used for other similar scenarios, such as identifying infection risk in public transportation, school classroom settings, offices, and mass gatherings.

scholarly journals Training Exposure and Self-Rated Competence among HIV Care Providers Working with Adolescents in Kenya

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 ◽  
pp. 232595822093526
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Karman ◽  
Kate S. Wilson ◽  
Cyrus Mugo ◽  
Jennifer A. Slyker ◽  
Brandon L. Guthrie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Competence Training ◽  
Expert Input ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
Care Worker ◽  
Youth Friendly

Lack of health care worker (HCW) training is a barrier to implementing youth-friendly services. We examined training coverage and self-reported competence, defined as knowledge, abilities, and attitudes, of HCWs caring for adolescents living with HIV (ALWH) in Kenya. Surveys were conducted with 24 managers and 142 HCWs. Competence measures were guided by expert input and Kalamazoo II Consensus items. Health care workers had a median of 3 (interquartile range [IQR]: 1-6) years of experience working with ALWH, and 40.1% reported exposure to any ALWH training. Median overall competence was 78.1% (IQR: 68.8-84.4). In multivariable linear regression analyses, more years caring for ALWH and any prior training in adolescent HIV care were associated with significantly higher self-rated competence. Training coverage for adolescent HIV care remains suboptimal. Targeting HCWs with less work experience and training exposure may be a useful and efficient approach to improve quality of youth-friendly HIV services.

scholarly journals Will Universal Access to Antiretroviral Therapy Ever be Possible? The Health Care Worker Challenge

2010 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. e64-e69 ◽  
Author(s):  
André R Maddison ◽  
Walter F Schlech
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Antiretroviral Therapy ◽  
Health Care Worker ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Universal Access ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Development Goal ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Care Worker

The United Nations millennium development goal of providing universal access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) for patients living with HIV/AIDS by 2010 is unachievable. Currently, four million people are receiving ART, of an estimated 13.7 million who need it. A major challenge to achieving this goal is the shortage of health care workers in low-income and low-resource areas of the world. Sub-Saharan African countries have 68% of the world’s burden of illness from AIDS, yet have only 3% of health care workers worldwide. The shortage of health care providers is primarily caused by a national and international ‘brain drain,’ poor distribution of health care workers within countries, and health care worker burnout.Even though the millennium development goal to provide universal access to ART will not be met by 2010, it is imperative to continue to build on the momentum created by these humanitarian goals. The present literature review was written with the purpose of attracting research and policy attention toward evidence from small-scale projects in sub-Saharan Africa, which have been successful at increasing access to ART. Specifically, a primary-care model of ART delivery, which focuses on decentralization of services, task shifting and community involvement will be discussed. To improve the health care worker shortage in sub-Saharan Africa, the conventional model of health care delivery must be replaced with an innovative model that utilizes doctors, nurses and community members more effectively.

Understanding the Predictors that Contribute to Liberian Health Care Workers Feeling Protected From Ebola While at Work

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Kayla Enriquez ◽  
Kanagasabai Udhayashankar ◽  
Michelle Niescierenko
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Ebola Virus ◽  
Virus Disease ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Returning To Work ◽  
Care Worker ◽  
And Control

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess Liberian health care workers’ feelings around safety in returning to work in the setting of the Ebola virus disease outbreak of 2014–2015 after receiving infection prevention and control (IPC) training. Methods: Academic Consortium Combating Ebola in Liberia (ACCEL) training surveys were done at 21 public, Liberian hospitals to understand health care workers’ attitudes surrounding Ebola and whether they felt safe while at work based on multiple factors. Logistic regression was used for analysis. Results: We found that health care workers feeling safe at work during the Ebola outbreak was primarily predicted by the number of IPC/Ebola trainings received pre-ACCEL interventions. Health care workers felt increasingly safer and motivated to return to work as trainings approached 3 (OR 8, p-value < 0.001); however, more than 3 trainings resulted in decreased safety and motivation. In addition, health care workers who reported washing their hands before and after patient contact were 3.4 times more likely to understand how to protect themselves from Ebola. Conclusions: These results help to better understand the utility of repeated trainings on health care worker practice attitudes and the importance of IPC policies within hospitals, such as hand hygiene promotion and education, when coordinating humanitarian efforts.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis to Medical Equipment in a Non-Health Care Worker Caring for a Disabled Spouse

2013 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 207-211
Author(s):  
Ilya Shoimer ◽  
Melanie Pratt
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Contact Dermatitis ◽  
Allergic Contact Dermatitis ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Medical Equipment ◽  
Hospital Environment ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Allergic Contact ◽  
Care Worker ◽  
Rubber Accelerators

Background: Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to rubber accelerators is a common occurrence, especially in health care workers, but the risks in family caregivers are not as well documented. Objective: To document a case of a 66-year-old woman who developed recurrent, extensive flares of ACD from contact with rubber accelerators through caregiving. Method and Results: Patch testing revealed a positive reaction to two common rubber accelerators: carba mix (3+) and thiuram mix (3+). The patient described caring for her disabled husband, which involved handling rubberized medical equipment. Conclusion: Physicians should appreciate ACD in non-health care workers caused by rubber accelerators found in medical equipment. Individuals providing care for sick or elderly relatives should be further questioned on exposure to a hospital environment and contact with medical equipment.

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